• A Compassionate Calling offers an unflinching and deeply personal look into the realities of the veterinary profession.

    Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, a veterinary specialist with experience in academia, emergency and referral hospitals, and general practice, weaves candid personal stories with evidence-based insights from published research. In 40 concise and thought-provoking chapters, she explores the hidden curriculum of veterinary school, the toll of on-call work, the emotional impact of euthanasia, the challenges of practicing during a pandemic, and many other important topics. Marie also tackles pressing issues like diversity, equity, inclusion, and the evolving dynamics of pet insurance and corporatization in veterinary medicine.

    Despite nearly 90% of pet owners viewing their animals as family members, few truly understand the challenges veterinarians face daily. This book pulls back the curtain to address questions such as:

    • Why don’t some veterinarians recommend the profession to others?
    • How do distressing events, like euthanasia and moral stress, affect veterinarians’ mental health?
    • What do veterinarians wish pet owners knew about the emotional and mental toll of caring for their animals?

    With its blend of heartfelt storytelling and practical insights, A Compassionate Calling is essential reading for pet owners, aspiring veterinarians, and anyone curious about the veterinary profession. Practicing veterinarians will also find comfort and connection in its honest exploration of the joys and struggles of veterinary life.

  • Dedication

    Preface

    PART ONE: Journey of a Veterinary Critical Care Specialist

    Chapter 1: Pursuing a Lifelong Calling

    Chapter 2: Between Pre-Vet and Practitioner

    Chapter 3: The Path to Veterinary Specialization

    Chapter 4: The Challenges and Realities of a Residency

    Chapter 5: Adventures in Veterinary Academia

    Chapter 6: A Departure from Academic Life

    Chapter 7: Transforming Overwhelm Into Opportunity

    Chapter 8: From Crisis to Compassion

    PART TWO: What I Learned About Veterinary Medicine Along the Way

    Chapter 9: The Road to Becoming a Veterinarian

    Chapter 10: Veterinary Education's Debt Crisis

    Chapter 11: The Hidden Curriculum of Veterinary School

    Chapter 12: Meeting the Demand for Veterinary Specialists

    Chapter 13: Stories from Veterinary Intensive Care

    Chapter 14: Navigating Euthanasia in Veterinary Medicine

    Chapter 15: Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Stress

    Chapter 16: The Paradox of Compassionate Veterinary Care

    Chapter 17: Compliments, Complaints, and Client Incivility

    Chapter 18: Examining Toxicity in Veterinary Practices

    Chapter 19: The Burden of On-Call

    PART THREE: What We Now Understand About Veterinarians

    Chapter 20: Professional Identify

    Chapter 21: Playing the Veterinary Victim and Martyr

    Chapter 22: The Hidden Struggles of Perfectionism

    Chapter 23: The Human Side of Veterinary Mistakes

    Chapter 24: Mental Health in the Veterinary Profession

    Chapter 25: Recognizing Mental Health Stigma

    Chapter 26: Confronting Compassion Fatigue

    Chapter 27: Addressing Burnout Among Veterinarians

    Chapter 28: Finding Balance With Boundaries

    Chapter 29: Unveiling the Tragedy of Veterinarian Suicide

    Chapter 30: Realities and Resilience Amidst the Pandemic

    PART FOUR: What the Future Holds for Veterinary Medicine

    Chapter 31: The Rise of Veterinary Corporatization

    Chapter 32: Insights Into Pet Health Insurance

    Chapter 33: Transformative Technologies Including Telemedicine

    Chapter 34: Striving For Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Chapter 35: Redefining Veterinary Education for a Dynamic Profession

    Chapter 36: Exploring Veterinary Frontiers Outside Clinical Practice

    Chapter 37: The Unsung Heroes of Veterinary Medicine

    Chapter 38: Responding to the Veterinary Workforce Crisis

    Chapter 39: Paving a Path to Self-Care and Self-Compassion

    Chapter 40: Reshaping Veterinary Culture to Value Team Wellbeing

    Author’s Note

    Acknowledgements

    References

  • Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

    Is a veterinarian, speaker, and wellness advocate dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession. A board-certified emergency and critical care specialist, she brings over 20 years of clinical, academic, and consulting experience, combined with a passion for fostering sustainable, fulfilling careers.

    After completing veterinary school in Canada and advanced training in the United States, Marie spent five years as a faculty member at the Ontario Veterinary College, followed by relief work across North America. During her career, she not only witnessed but personally experienced the emotional and mental toll of veterinary practice, including burnout and compassion fatigue. These challenges led her to focus on wellness, burnout prevention, and workplace culture.

    As the founder of Reviving Veterinary Medicine, Marie provides evidence-based resources to support self-care, effective communication, and professional resilience. She is a certified coach, yoga and meditation teacher, and wellbeing facilitator. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes, workshops, and seminars worldwide, inspiring veterinary teams to prioritize their wellbeing.

    Marie is also an accomplished writer, having published numerous articles and book chapters on veterinary medicine and mental health. She hosts the Reviving Vet Med Podcast, where she explores workplace challenges, personal growth, and strategies for creating a healthier profession.

    Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, Marie is committed to fostering a culture of compassion, resilience, and support in veterinary medicine, helping professionals build careers—and lives—that are both meaningful and sustainable.

Veterinary Clinics of North America
info